Township Happenings

Keweenaw County & Township Taking Steps to Implement Recreation Plan.

February 26, 1999. In early 1998, the Keweenaw County Board adopted a County Recreation Plan. The plan identified and prioritized several land acquisitions and building projects intended to enhance recreation opportunities for County residents and visitors. Included were items such as another nine holes at the County's Mountain Lodge golf course, expansion of the snowmobile trail system, a new small craft marina and maritime museum at Copper Harbor, a park and boat launch at the mouth of the Tobacco River, and several land acquisitions. The Plan was intended to serve as the basis for seeking implementing federal and state grants. The County is now seeking such a grant to proceed with the Tobacco River project.

As initially drafted, the Plan did not include any projects in Eagle Harbor Township. Supervisor Jim Boggio sought and secured amendments to the draft that identified protection of the Harbor's east beach, and securing land for the hiking and ski trails in the "pinery" near Lake Eliza and Long Lake. The latter would also protect the aquifer of the Township's water wells.

Lake Superior Land Company has subsequently sold the east beach and the land behind it. The buyers have indicated that they intend to continue to allow public access to the beach and preserve the marshland behind the beach. They indicate that there may be a few homes/cottages built on the higher land near the juncture of M-26 & Marina Road. The buyer's stated intentions are laudatory, but the reality is that both the beach and its associated marsh are in private, not public control.

The lands west of the Harbor, from 7th Street to the Copper Falls stamp sands are under intense development pressure. This includes most of the area identified in the amended County Recreation Plan. The Land Company has subdivided and sold almost all of the property along 7th Street and M-26, and along the north side of Eliza Creek almost up to the dam. Subdivision and sale of the knoll overlooking the Lake Eliza dam, and the wooded area to the north (through which the Harbor ski trail runs) are under consideration.

In light of these developments, Supervisor Boggio appeared before the County Board at its February meeting to seek a higher priority for the Township's projects in the Recreation Plan, and for County support of any grant applications the Township may seek to implement these projects. A grant application for all or a portion of the "pinery" lands is now being researched. The County Board indicated that it recognized the need to proceed quickly to protect and preserve the lands in the Township's projects and would lend its support to any such application.

Township Restoring Eagle Harbor School Building

The Township Board, which secured title to the old School from the School District in 1996 and in 1997 completed some needed structural and plumbing improvements, is proceeding with a restoration of the building. Retired White House historic preservation architect and Harbor summer resident John Dawson, is assisting with planning the Schoolhouse restoration. Other than the lighthouse, the Schoolhouse is probably the Harbor's most visable historical structure. Many long time Harbor families have strong ties to the school.

The work will proceed as funds become available but an anonymous $6,200 donation and other generous contributions, combined with a matching funds from now available Township funds have permited a major start on the project in 1998. All donations and matching Township funds will be placed in an Eagle Harbor Township Schoolhouse Restoration Fund. Other donations will be sought to complete the project. Susan King has agreed to chair the fundraising effort.

The initial work included a replacement of the windows along the sides of the first floor with replicas of the originals, matching the windows at the front and on the second floor.The exterior was scraped, repaired and painted. The bell tower, which still contains the school bell, will be fixed up and reopened in 1999, allowing the bell to once again ring out across the Harbor.

The Township plans to appropiate funds in 1999 to match donations from Township residents. The combined funds will hopefully be sufficient to complete the project this year. Remaining work includes replacement of the electrical and plumbing systems, remodeling of the kitchen area, installion of a heating system, renovation of the interior walls and ceilings, installion of lighting to match the original, and development of a historical exhibit to display old Eagle Harbor School class pictures, rosters, school equipment and supplies. Your generous donation will help to assure that all this is accomplished in time for a planned July 4th, 2000 rededication of the old school.

The building is being used as a "community building", serving as the site for summertime Township Board meetings, special community events, a service site for organizations, and avilable for lease for private events.

Continued restoration will be possible if others who share the desire to see that important Eagle Harbor historical structures are preserved, restored and put to practical use, step forward to assist in the effort. Please contact Supervisor Doug Sherk or any other member of the Township Board to convey your interest.